NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Nonverbal communication is the process of sending and receiving messages without using words,
either spoken or written. Also called manual language. Similar to the way that italicizing emphasizes
written language, nonverbal behavior may emphasize parts of a verbal message.

The term nonverbal communication was introduced in 1956 by psychiatrist Jurgen Ruesch and
author Weldon Kees in the book "Nonverbal Communication: Notes on the Visual Perception of
Human Relations."

Nonverbal messages have been recognized for centuries as a critical aspect of communication. For
instance, in "The Advancement of Learning" (1605), Francis Bacon observed that "the lineaments of
the body do disclose the disposition and inclination of the mind in general, but the motions of the
countenance and parts do . . . further, disclose the present humour and state of the mind and will."

How Nonverbal Signals Affect Verbal Discourse

"Psychologists Paul Ekman and Wallace Friesen (1969), in discussing the interdependence that exists
between nonverbal and verbal messages, identified six important ways that nonverbal
communication directly affects our verbal discourse.

"First, we can use nonverbal signals to emphasize our words. All good speakers know how to do this
with forceful gestures, changes in vocal volume or speech rate, deliberate pauses, and so forth. . . .

"Second, our nonverbal behavior can repeat what we say. We can say yes to someone while nodding
our head . . ..

"Third, nonverbal signals can substitute for words. Often, there isn't much need to put things in
words. A simple gesture can suffice (e.g., shaking your head to say no, using the thumbs-up sign to
say 'Nice job,' etc.). . . .

"Fourth, we can use nonverbal signals to regulate speech. Called turn-taking signals, these gestures
and vocalizations make it possible for us to alternate the conversational roles of speaking and
listening. . . .

"Fifth, nonverbal messages sometimes contradict what we say.

A friend tells us she had a great time at the beach, but we're not sure because her voice is flat and
her face lacks emotion...

"Finally, we can use nonverbal signals to complement the verbal content of our message... Being
upset could mean we feel angry, depressed, disappointed, or just a bit on edge. Nonverbal signals
can help to clarify the words we use and reveal the true nature of our feelings." (Martin S. Remland,
Nonverbal Communication in Everyday Life, 2nd ed. Houghton Mifflin, 2004)

Deceptive Studies
"Traditionally, experts tend to agree that nonverbal communication itself carries the impact of a
message. 'The figure most cited to support this claim is the estimate that 93 percent of all meaning
in a social situation comes from nonverbal information, while only 7 percent comes from verbal
information.' The figure is deceiving, however. It is based on two 1976 studies that compared vocal
cues with facial cues. While other studies have not supported the 93 percent, it is agreed that both
children and adults rely more on nonverbal cues than on verbal cues in interpreting the messages of
others." (Roy M. Berko et al., Communicating: A Social and Career Focus, 10th ed. Houghton Mifflin,
2007)

Nonverbal Miscommunication

"Like the rest of us, airport security screeners like to think they can read body language. The
Transportation Security Administration has spent some $1 billion training thousands of 'behavior
detection officers' to look for facial expressions and other nonverbal clues that would identify
terrorists.

"But critics say there’s no evidence that these efforts have stopped a single terrorist or accomplished
much beyond inconveniencing tens of thousands of passengers a year. The T.S.A. seems to have
fallen for a classic form of self-deception: the belief that you can read liars’ minds by watching their
bodies.

"Most people think liars give themselves away by averting their eyes or making nervous gestures,
and many law-enforcement officers have been trained to look for specific tics, like gazing upward in
a certain manner. But in scientific experiments, people do a lousy job of spotting liars. Law-
enforcement officers and other presumed experts are not consistently better at it than ordinary
people even though they’re more confident in their abilities." (John Tierney, "At Airports, a
Misplaced Faith in Body Language." The New York Times, March 23, 2014)

Posture

Main article: Posture (psychology)

Posture is a nonverbal cue that is associated with positioning and that these two are used as sources
of information about individual's characteristics, attitudes, and feelings about themselves and other
people.[22] There are many different types of body positioning to portray certain postures, including
slouching, towering, legs spread, jaw thrust, shoulders forward, and arm crossing. The posture or
bodily stance exhibited by individuals communicates a variety of messages whether good or bad. A
study, for instance, identified around 200 postures that are related to maladjustment and
withholding of information.[22]

Posture can be used to determine a participant's degree of attention or involvement, the difference
in status between communicators, and the level of fondness a person has for the other
communicator, depending on body "openness".[23]:9 It can also be effectively used as a way for an
individual to convey a desire to increase, limit, or avoid interaction with another person.[24] Studies
investigating the impact of posture on interpersonal relationships suggest that mirror-image
congruent postures, where one person's left side is parallel to the other person's right side, leads to
favorable perception of communicators and positive speech; a person who displays a forward lean
or decreases a backward lean also signifies positive sentiment during communication.[25]

Posture can be situation-relative, that is, people will change their posture depending on the situation
they are in.[26] This can be demonstrated in the case of relaxed posture when an individual is within
a nonthreatening situation and the way one's body tightens or become rigid when under stress.[27]

7 ASPECTS OF NON VERBAL COMM.

1. Facial Expressions

Without a doubt, the most common—and telling—nonverbal means of communication is through

facial expressions. Human faces are able to make more than 10,000 different expressions, and each
one articulates volumes of information with ease. Smiling, frowning, blinking, and every teenager’s
favorite, eye-rolling, are the strongest and most relatable expressions, but even the smallest
eyebrow twitch or nostril flare can be read with minimal effort. The most surefire way to establish a
connection with a stranger, client, or even long-time acquaintance: Smile! A smile is welcoming,
warm, and establishes you as a person who people want to spend time with.

2. Body Movements

Body movements, or kinesics, include common practices like hand gestures or nodding. Very often,
body movements convey enthusiasm or excitement. For instance, we all know someone who “talks
with his hands.” However, other aspects of kinesics include actions that we commonly perceive with
nervousness or anxiety like involuntary tremors, frequent clearing of the throat, or a shaking leg.
During meetings, it’s best to keep your hands on a table or in a gentle clasp. You want to avoid
“drumming” on your thigh or repeatedly touching your face, as these are often distracting.

3. Posture

Posture is critical in making a strong impression. How you stand or sit is one of the important
elements in how you are perceived by others. Someone who stands with their back straight and
head held high exudes confidence, assurance, and strength, while, conversely, someone who is
slouched or facing the floor demonstrates uncertainty, indifference, or even weakness. To express
friendliness and positivity, maintain an open posture. Stand with your legs hip-distance apart and
keep your torso exposed as opposed to covered with your crossed arms. Keep your head raised and
relax your facial expression. A closed posture, especially crossed arms across the chest, gives the
impression of boredom or hostility.

Human faces are able to make more than 10,000 different expressions, and each one articulates
volumes of information with ease."
4. Eye Contact

Perhaps the best way to build rapport with a stranger is by maintaining eye contact. Eyes can
indicate interest, attention, and involvement, while failing to make eye contact may be interpreted
as disinterested, inattentive, or rude. However, this doesn’t mean you have to stare directly into the
face of another person—quite the opposite, in fact. There is nothing more aggressive than staring
intensely into someone’s eyes. Experts suggest that healthy eye contact consists of looking semi-
randomly at the area around the eyes, which includes the eyelids and eyebrows.

5. Paralanguage

Any parent with small children is familiar with the phrase “don’t use that tone of voice with me.”
This is a perfect example of how paralanguage—the aspects of the voice that differ from the
words—affects the message. The most obvious example is sarcasm, in which the tone of what’s
being said conveys the opposite of the message. Odds are that someone who drawls “Grreeeattt” in
a laconic tone is less than thrilled at what’s being presented. Less obvious paralanguage includes the
speed, volume, and pitch of speaking. For example, a presentation mumbled too quickly suggests
that the salesman is, at best, nervous, or, at worst, being disingenuous. Be conscious of how quickly
you talk, and be sure to speak clearly and loud enough to be heard. But be sure to take care not to
be too loud, as this comes off as belligerent and off-putting.

6. Proxemics

Thanks largely to Seinfeld, the notion of a “close talker” has become part of our consciousness.
People are very protective of their personal space, particularly the area that Mehrabian calls the
“intimate space” (i.e., 6 to 18 inches). This is a zone generally reserved for family, close friends, or
romantic partners. When engaging in business conversation, you always want to be far enough that
the other person is comfortable, but you do not want to be too far, suggesting that you are
distancing yourself or uninterested in the conversation.

7. Physiological Changes

With nonverbal communication closely related to emotion, the physiological reactions are often the
most associated with anxiety and discomfort. Sweating, blushing (or flushing), and teary eyes are all
dead giveaways that someone is ill-at-ease. When you recognize that an associate you’re speaking to
has a case of the nerves, it’s important that you make them feel comfortable. Also, everyone’s been
guilty of a clammy handshake at one time or another.

To develop a successful relationship, it’s crucial that you have not only strong speaking skills, but
also a keen understanding of nonverbal cues that accompany conversation. Nonverbal
communication is mostly emotional in nature; that is to say that it is spontaneous and cannot be
faked. Having an awareness—or even a control—of the seven aspects of nonverbal communication
will give you an advantage in business dealings when you understand the message behind the
message. [CD0416]

Importance of Nonverbal Communication

Some important points expressing the importance, necessity, advantages or functions of non-verbal
communication are discussed below:

Well Expression of the Speaker’s Attitude

Various non-verbal cues of the speaker like physical movements, facial expression, a way of
expression, etc. play important role in expressing the inner meaning of the messages in face-to-face
conversation and interview.

For example, the facial expression of the speaker indicates his attitude, determination depth of
knowledge etc.

Providing Information Regarding the Sender of The Written Message

The format, neatness, language and the appearance of the envelope used in a written message send
a non-verbal message regarding the writer’s tests, choice, level of education etc.

Expressing the Attitude of the Listener and Receiver

Sometimes the appearance of the listeners and receivers conveys their attitudes, feelings, and
thoughts regarding the messages they have read or heard.

Gaining Knowledge about a Class of People

Clothing, hairstyle, neatness, jewelry, cosmetics, and stature of people convey impressions regarding
their occupation, age, nationality, social or economic level, job status etc.

For example; students, policemen, nurses etc. can easily be identified through their dresses.

Gaining Knowledge about the Status of a Person

Non-verbal cues also help to determine the relative status of persons working in an organization. For
example, room size, location, furnishings, decorations, lightings, etc. indicate the position of a
person in the organization.

Communicating Common Message to All People

In some cases, non-verbal cues can effectively express many true messages more accurately than
those of any other method of communication.
For example; use of red, yellow and green lights and use of various signs in controlling vehicles on
the roads.

Communicating with the Handicapped People

Non- verbal cues of communication greatly help in communicating with the handicapped people.

For example; the language of communication with the deaf depends on the movements of the
hands, fingers, and eyeball.

Conveying Message to the Illiterate People

Communication with illiterate people through written media is impossible. There may also be some
situations that do not allow the use of oral media to communicate with them.

In such situations, non-verbal methods like pictures, colors, graphs, signs, and symbols are used as
the media of communication.

For example; to indicate danger we use red sign and to mean dangerous we use a skull placed
between two pieces of bone put in a crosswise fashion.

Quick Expression of Message

Non-verbal cues like sign and symbol can also communicate some messages very quickly than
written or oral media.

For example; when drivers of a running vehicle are to be communicated that the road ahead is
narrow or there is a turn in the road ahead, we generally use signs or symbols rather than using any
written or oral message.

Presenting Information Precisely

Sometimes quantitative information on any issue may require a lengthy written message. But this
quantitative information can be presented easily and precisely through tables, graphs, charts etc.
Conclusion

To improve your nonverbal skills, record your speaking on videotape. Then ask a colleague in
communications to suggest refinements.

Non-verbal communication can take many forms depending on the situation, the ability of
communicators etc.

According to one estimate, there are more than 0.70 million forms of non-verbal communication.
The most common forms of non-verbal communication are as follows